Resealing closure for cans and the like

ABSTRACT

A closure to fit cans to reseal same when the contents have been partially removed. Top and bottom radially stretchable diaphragms enclose top and bottom flexible disks. Top flexible conical member is depressed by a handle and has means cooperating with means on the bottom flexible conical member to first radially expand the latter and then to lock the same in expanded condition so as to force the edges of the diaphragms into sealing engagement with the can wall. Pulling the handle upward disengages the flexible members from each other and permits the parts to assume collapsed condition out of sealing contact with the can wall.

United States Patent Harschel [151 3,640,422 1 Feb..8,1972

[54] RESEALING CLOSURE FOR CANS AND THE LIKE [72] Inventor: Jonas C.Harschel, 8 Maripasa Court,

Burlingame, Calif. 94010 [22] Filed: Mar. 9, 1970 [21] Appl.No.: 17,375

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 835,645 11/1906 Smith..220/24.5 X 911,380 2/1909 Comings..... 2,214,732 9/1940 Kraft "220/2452,966,276 12/1960 Hing ..215/52 Primary Examiner-George E. LowranceAttorney-Julian Capla'n ABSTRACT A closure to fit cans to reseal samewhen the contents have been partially removed. Top and bottom radiallystretchable diaphragms enclose top and bottom flexible disks. Topflexible conical member is depressed by a handle and has meanscooperating with means on the bottom flexible conical member to firstradially expand the latter and then to lock the same in expandedcondition so as to force the edges of the diaphragms into sealingengagement with the can wall. Pulling the handle upward disengages theflexible members from each other and permits the parts to assumecollapsed condition out of sealing contact with the can wall.

7 Claims, 6 mwing Figures PATENIEI] FEB 81972 3,640,422

FIG.'I FIG. 2

41 INVENTOR.

JONAS C. HARSCHEL. FIG. 5 FIG. 6 @QQ ATTORNEY' RESEALING CLOSURE FORCANS AND THE LIKE This invention relates to a new and useful resealingclosure for cans and the like. After the top of a can or other containerhas been removed, the present invention provides a convenient resealingclosure. The closure prevents air circulation into the interior of thecontainer and thus reduces oxidation of the product remaining in the canand also prevents the escape of volatile substance in the remainingproduct.

A feature of the invention is the provision of a closure which expandsand contracts radially. When the closure is contracted it slips into theinterior of the can easily even though there are beads formed in the canbody. When the device is expanded, its radial dimension is increased sothat it is sealed against the wall of the container.

A feature and particular advantage of the invention is the fact that itis simple to operate either in expanding to sealing position orcontracting to position for insertion and removal. The mechanicaloperation to expand and contract the closure may be performed with onehand. Hence it is not necessary to insert both hands inside thecontainer in order to operate the closure.

A further advantage of the invention is the fact that the closure sealsin position at any location inside the can either near the top or thebottom. As has been stated, occasionally beads are rolled in the sidesof the can and the closure may be located to seal at the bead locationor at the straight cylindrical portion of the can above or below thebead.

Still another advantage of the invention is that when the seal isoperated to sea! at the top of the contents the action of the springexpands the top flexible diaphragm to create a pressure differentialbetween the contents and outside atmosphere to help seal at the edgesand retard oxidation of the contents.

Another advantage of the invention is the fact that it is dust anddirt-proof. Further, to promote sanitation, the device may be easilywashed and the parts are not damaged by washing. In addition, the deviceis very compact and may be inserted inside the can when only a smallportion of the contents have been dispensed.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon readingthe following specification and referring to the accompanying drawingsin which similar characters of reference represent corresponding partsin each of the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is the top plan of the closure;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view through a diameter ofthe device showing the device in the act of being inserted into a can,with the knob depressed by the user;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the device with the knobreleased and in sealing position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the device in contractedposition with the knob raised for removal from or insertion into a can;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are fragmentary view of portions of elements of theclosure.

The closure which is the subject of this invention is illustrated in theaccompanying drawings for sealing relative to a can 11 which has an opentop 12 from which the lid has been removed. To illustrate theversatility of the device, the can 11 may be formed with a bead l3rolled into the side below the top 12 to strengthen the can body. Thedevice will slip by such a bead to seal below the same or will sealagainst the bead itself. It will further be understood that the presentinvention is shown sealing against a can 11 merely by way ofillustration and that the device may be used with a variety of otherreceptacles.

Closure 16 consists of a plurality of annular members which interfit toform a compact device having its mechanical portions enclosed. A topdiaphragm 17 is formed of an elastomeric material which compressesaxially of the can and also radially. The material is smooth andsufficiently soft so that when the device is expanded the outer edge ofthe diaphragm 17 will form a hermetic seal with the interior of the can11.

To provide axial and radial flexibility, diaphragm 17 is formed with aplurality of sylphon-bellows-type pleats 18. At the perimeter is a ledge19 and depending therefrom is a short vertical skirt 21 having a narrowintumed flange 22. Bottom diaphragm 26 is formed of a material similarto diaphragm 17 and it is essentially flat. At its perimeter, diaphragm26 is formed with an inwardly turned rim 27 which fits between ledge 19and flange 22. Formed integrally with or fixed to the top of diaphragm26 is a ring 28 having a diameter about onethird that of diaphragm 26.

Fitting in a central hole in upper diaphragm I7 is stem 31 which isformed with a central bore 32. A reduced diameter neck 33 projectsinside and is fixed to the inner edge of upper diaphragm l7. Neck 33 isformed with a hole in which slides pin 34 having an enlarged head 36which fits slideably within the bore 32 and which also has at its lowerend an enlargement 37 on the underside of washer 38, which rests uponthe top of ring 28. The top of bore 32 is closed off by a handle knob 39which is gripped by the fingers. Raising or depressing knob 39 causesthe bellowslike diaphragm 17 to move axially relative to bottomdiaphragm 26.

Inside top diaphragm 17 is a truncated conical member 41. Member 41 is athin member fonned with a plurality of radial slots 42 extending frompoints adjacent the center to the outer edge. A central hole 43 of disk41 fits around neck 33. Disk 41 is flexible in an axial direction. Whenthe height of disk 41 is reduced by pushing downward on knob 39, theslots 42 spread apart and the outside diameter of the base of member 41expands. Comparison of the slant height of disk 41 in the contractedposition of FIG. 4 and the expanded positions of FIGS. 3 and 3illustrate this feature.

Below member 41 is a lower truncated conical member 46 of materialsimilar to member 41 but having a larger outside diameter and a largerinside diameter. Member 46 is formed with a plurality of radial slots 47which extend from points 48 adjacent the inner edge of the member to theperimeter and with alternating slots 49 which extend from the centerhole 51 to points 52 adjacent but spaced inwardly of the perimeter. Onthe top surface of member 46 is a circular rim 53 adjacent but spacedinwardly from points 52. On the bottom of member 46 spaced outwardlyfrom hole 51 are detents 54. The location of rim 53 is such that theouter edge of conical member 41 lodges inside same and rests on top ofthe member 46. The location of detents 54 is such that in the contractedposition shown in FIG. 4 said detents ride on top of washer 38 but inthe expanded position of FIG. 3, the detents snap outside of washer 38and ring 28, thereby holding the member 46 in radially expandedposition. The outer edge of member 46 fits inside the inturned rim 27 ofbottom diaphragm 26. Hence when the member 41 is depressed, its outeredge forces rim 53 outwardly until detents 54 lock outside ring 28. Suchoutward expansion of member 46 stretches diaphragms 17 and 26 outwardlyso that they are in the expanded position of FIG. 3 sealing against theinterior wall of can 11. Washer 57 having downward extending tips 58 islocated on pin 34 below member 41. When handle 39 is depressed, neck 33depresses washer 57 and tips 58 bear on member 46 to flatten same (FIG.2). Depression of knob 39 forces member 46 into a slightlyupward-concave shape, member 46 functioning somewhat in the manner of adisk-shaped, overcenter spring.

To assist in holding the device in the position shown in FIG. 2 againstunintentional dislodgrnent, a spiral spring 56 is located so that itslarge diameter rests upon the top of member 46 and its small diameter isuppermost and is in engagement with washer 57 which fits around pin 34and contacts the bottom of neck 33.

The operation of the closure is as follows: Assuming that the device isin the contracted position of FIG. 4, handle knob 39 is gripped with onehand and the device is inserted through the top 12 of can 11 until thebottom of diaphragm 26 encounters the contents of the can, which stopsfurther downward movement of diaphragm 26. Downward movement of knob 39causes the top member 41 to be flattened axially and thereby expandedradially. Tips 58 flatten and cause outward expansion of member 46 to aslightly upward-concave, overcenter position which holds the partsexpandedv If the contents are solid or if the bottom of the can isencountered, the head 36 of the pin may slide up through bore 32 topermit the knob 39 to be depressed a sufficient distance to expand theclosure. Flattening of member 41 pushes outwardly on rim 53 and thusforces member 46 radially outwardly and downwardly until detents 54 lockoutside of ring 28. The detents 54 are held in down position by theforce of spring 56 on the top of member 46. As the member 46 expandsoutwardly, flexible bottom diaphragm 26 is stretched outwardly and thetop diaphragm 17 is likewise deformed outwardly to the position of FIG.2. Release of knob 39 allows the parts to assume the position of FIG. 3.In the position of FIG. 3 the closure 16 has sealed against the insideof the can wall 11 and is held in such sealing engagement by reason ofthe fact that the detents 54 have snapped outside ring 28.

when it is desired to remove the closure, the user grips knob 39 andpulls upwardly. The enlargement 37 on the lower end of pin 34 raiseswasher 38 which pulls member 46 upwardly until the detents 54 are abovethe level of washer 34 and ring 28. The member 46 then increases inheight axially and diminishes in diameter and the member 41correspondingly increases in height and diminishes in diameter. Thus,the position of FIG. 4 is again reached so that the diaphragms l7 and 26are contracted and no longer seal against the can 11.

What is claimed is:

l. A resealing closure comprising a radially expandable circulardiaphragm, a first flexible radially expandable circular member havingits perimeter in engagement with the perimeter of said diaphragm wherebyupon expansion of said first member said diaphragm is expanded to sealagainst the interior of a wall into which said closure is inserted, asecond flexible, radially expandable and axially flexible truncatedconical member, manual grip means for depressing said second member toflatten and expand said second member, cooperating means on said memberswhereby when said second member is flattened said first member and saiddiaphragm are radially expanded, latch means for detachably securingsaid first member in expanded position, and detaching means fordetaching said latch means to release said first member for radialcontraction thereof, said grip means operatively connected to saiddetaching means whereby upon lifting said grip means said latch means isrendered inoperative, said latch means comprises second cooperatingmeans consisting of detents on said first member and a circular thirdmember engageable with said detents, said third member movable with saidgrip member.

2. A closure according to claim 1 which further comprises an annular,conical, axially and radially flexible second diaphragm in sealingrelation at its periphery to said first-mentioned diaphragm and sealedat its inner diameter to said grip means.

3. A closure according to claim 2 in which said third member comprises aring on the top of said second diaphragm, said first member flexiblebetween an unlatched position with said detents above and within thevertical projection of said ring and a latched position with saiddetents at the level of and abutting the outside edge of said ring.

4. A closure according to claim 3 which further comprises resilientmeans bearing against said members to bias said members apart into aninoperative position of said closure when said latch means is unlatched.

S. A closure according to claim 1 in which said cooperating meanscomprises a circular rim on the top of said first member, the base ofsaid second member located inside said rim and upon flattening of saidsecond member said base forces said rim outward.

6. A closure according to claim 1 in which said grip means comprises ahandle operatively connected to said second means adjacent the apex ofsaid second member, said detaching means comprising a disk positionedunder the center of said first member and a sliding connection betweensaid handle and said disk to raise said disk when said handle is pulledupward.

7. A closure according to claim 6 in which said handle is formed with ahollow stem and said sliding connection is at least partiallyretractable within said stem.

1. A resealing closure comprising a radially expandable circulardiaphragm, a first flexible radially expandable circular member havingits perimeter in engagement with the perimeter of said diaphragm wherebyupon expansion of said first member said diaphragm is expanded to sealagainst the interior of a wall into which said closure is inserted, asecond flexible, radially expandable and axially flexible truncatedconical member, manual grip means for depressing said second member toflatten and expand said second member, cooperating means on said memberswhereby when said second member is flattened said first member and saiddiaphragm are radially expanded, latch means for detachably securingsaid first member in expanded position, and detaching means fordetaching said latch means to release said first member for radialcontraction thereof, said grip means operatively connected to saiddetaching means whereby uPon lifting said grip means said latch means isrendered inoperative, said latch means comprises second cooperatingmeans consisting of detents on said first member and a circular thirdmember engageable with said detents, said third member movable with saidgrip member.
 2. A closure according to claim 1 which further comprisesan annular, conical, axially and radially flexible second diaphragm insealing relation at its periphery to said first-mentioned diaphragm andsealed at its inner diameter to said grip means.
 3. A closure accordingto claim 2 in which said third member comprises a ring on the top ofsaid second diaphragm, said first member flexible between an unlatchedposition with said detents above and within the vertical projection ofsaid ring and a latched position with said detents at the level of andabutting the outside edge of said ring.
 4. A closure according to claim3 which further comprises resilient means bearing against said membersto bias said members apart into an inoperative position of said closurewhen said latch means is unlatched.
 5. A closure according to claim 1 inwhich said cooperating means comprises a circular rim on the top of saidfirst member, the base of said second member located inside said rim andupon flattening of said second member said base forces said rim outward.6. A closure according to claim 1 in which said grip means comprises ahandle operatively connected to said second means adjacent the apex ofsaid second member, said detaching means comprising a disk positionedunder the center of said first member and a sliding connection betweensaid handle and said disk to raise said disk when said handle is pulledupward.
 7. A closure according to claim 6 in which said handle is formedwith a hollow stem and said sliding connection is at least partiallyretractable within said stem.